Chapter 531: Found You!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yun Yang coughed and chuckled dryly, "Sister Lan, what you're asking isn't very relevant to this young brother. I can only say that it's by chance. I really thought it hasn't much to do with me. That's why I don't know where to begin when you ask so; do be understanding and allow me to recall and arrange my words properly. This way, I can narrate it smoothly and you can listen to it without a hitch."
Yue Rulan did not look entirely convinced, glancing at him sideways while scoffing coldly.
Ji Lingxi looked anxious and said softly, "Think slowly. Phrase your words carefully, we're not in a hurry."
She said that they were not in a hurry but her hands that were clenched into tight fists had long betrayed her underlying anxiety.
Yun Yang considered the situation for a while and finally heaved a deep sigh, deciding to dish out the entire truth.
After all, nothing good would come out of it if he kept the truth from them. It was cruel to tell them about the eighth brother's death but it would be even crueler to hide the truth and watch them conduct a painstaking search everywhere.
Both the ladies had wasted so many years to find Ji Lingfeng, he really could not have them continue searching for him without any hope, he could not prolong their suffering. Besides, it was not only a waste of time, the process of searching was accompanied by unknown risks. Meeting Lei Dongtian was already proof of that.
Since there was no longer a point to keep them away from the truth, a moment of agony in facing the truth would be better than living their entire lives in suspense!
As for Yun Yang's identity, let it be exposed facing his sister-in-law and younger sister of his eighth brother!
"I understand. Come with me." Yun Yang stood up and led the way.
Ji Lingxi intended to ask what it was that they could not speak about here but instead could only be discussed elsewhere, only to be pulled back by Yue Rulan. The latter pulled Ji Lingxi along to trail behind Yun Yang without another word.
Yue Rulan was a smart lady, already predicting based on Yun Yang's behaviour that what he was about to tell them would be an earth-shattering secret and this secret would be related to Ji Lingfeng.
If that was the case, then the place they were at was not suitable for such a conversation. Despite it being the Residence of Yun, it was not a place for an unfiltered exchange of secrets.
Due to her understanding, she followed behind without a word. Yun Yang would not hurt both of them anyway and wherever he thought to be safe must be much more confidential than being here, especially when it was related to Ji Lingfeng. Even the slightest risk of it being overheard must be avoided.
The three of them trailed into Yun Yang's yard and study room. With a casual press from Yun Yang, a heavy stone wall opened soundlessly.
Yun Yang entered first.
Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan were shocked. They had been staying at the Residence of Yun for some time now; they were already here even before the residence was rebuilt and they witnessed the residence's renovation themselves, yet they had no idea that the Residence of Yun possessed such intricate mechanism. A hint was enough to paint the whole picture – just looking at the winding passage leading to an unknown destination, it was not difficult to imagine how big the project had been. In addition, the stone wall that was about thirty feet thick made no noise at all when it opened – it was already an impressive work of art.
Both ladies were intelligent. Seeing such an elaborate setup and considering Yun Yang's behavior, they could not help but feel a sense of heavyheartedness weighing in their hearts. To go out of the way to a confidential spot just to talk about their fiancé or brother's whereabouts spoke louder than words on how serious the topic was!
As the three of them entered, the chamber's door closed immediately. It was still as soundless as it was when it opened, shutting securely as if it was never even a door, to begin with.
At the same time the door closed, speckles of light began illuminating the passage, it stretched out far ahead.
"Night Cast Stone!"
Yue Rulan's eyes brightened when she saw the transition. She came from a noble family and was thus knowledgeable; easily identifying the illuminating object.
The Night Cast Stone was a rarer presence than the Luminous Pearl. It was a special crystal that would only glow when it was so dark that one could not even see their fingers. Once there was some dim light in the surroundings, the Night Cast Stone was no different from any other ordinary stone; it would not appear any different thus contributing to its rarity.
They noticed a piece of Night Cast Stone every thirty feet apart. As for the thirty feet distance between each Night Cast Stone, it was probably because the Night Cast Stone would sense each other at a distance of fifteen feet.
Such an intricate setup was truly amazing.
In the illuminated and silent atmosphere, Yun Yang in his purple robe moved forward, leading them onward. As they trailed after his steps, both ladies felt their hearts grow heavier. What tremendous secret was this that they had to speak about it in such a secluded place? There might not even be such elaborate interiors in royal secret chambers.
After several turns, a foyer appeared before them. Going across the hall, Yun Yang pressed at another wall and another concealed door emerged. A careless glance took in the sight of an abundance of gems. These gems should more appropriately be called as treasure instead because each of them was not what usual people could see or hear of even in their lifetime.
Ninety-nine percent of people who have come here must have thought that this was already the destination as the place where so many rare treasures were kept must be the endpoint. Both ladies thought similarly too, expecting Yun Yang to tell them about Ji Lingfeng here. It was already very elusive, was it not?
Unexpectedly however, Yun Yang did not stop, instead, he pressed somewhere on the left where they had just turned in. Another secret door opened slowly!
This was where man's cognitive blind spot was!
Even if this place was discovered by invaders, they would only look for a concealed mechanism on the other three walls. They would never think that the door that served as their entrance actually hid another secret door! The crux of this layout was that it was unexpected, something no one could foresee.
Yue Rulan and Ji Lingxi exchanged looks, both taking in the genuine surprise showing on each other's faces. They were utterly impressed at Yun Yang's meticulous and intricate layout of this chamber.
The new chamber was dark without any installation of the Luminous Pearl or Night Cast Stone, creating a stark contrast to the previous environment.
Yun Yang stood at the door like a statue, not stepping in just yet, as if he was hesitating.
The moment made Ji Lingxi's heart ache all of a sudden. Yun Yang's back was in front of her, straight and tall as usual, but Ji Lingxi had suddenly felt indescribable sadness and loneliness exuding from his back.
They heard him give a soft sigh and then Yun Yang finally stepped into the dark chamber. Darkness engulfed him. It seemed like Yun Yang had, in an instant, turned into a ghost, melting into one with the darkness.
Before Ji Lingxi could feel fear rise within her, the chamber was lit up, chasing away the endless darkness.
"Come in."
Yun Yang stood alone in the center of the chamber.
Ji Lingxi and Yue Rulan walked in almost without thinking as they followed his voice. Just like earlier, the door behind them closed quietly.
This occurrence allowed the chamber to instantly become a wholly enclosed and independent space. Both ladies who were already feeling lost now felt strange as they realized at that moment that the room was entirely disconnected from the world. Almost at the same time, an unusually oppressive and grim atmosphere suddenly engulfed them.
As the ladies scanned their surroundings, they saw a large painting hung on the wall opposite them. Or rather, instead of saying the painting was hung on the wall, it was more like the entire wall was a painting.
The top part of the painting was darkness and chaos; and below, it was mountains, rivers and earth, all of nature. Right in the center of the painting were eight people!
Eight masked people wearing black.
Although clad in black clothes with a black mask covering his face, the first person in the painting still looked imperial; an aristocratic air exuding from him just by standing with arms on his back.
Mountains and rivers quaked under his feet, the earth rumbled and cracked. There was so much power there but the person's gaze was indifferent and unmoved.
The second person stood sideways with an arm outstretched; the trees and branches of the forest in front were twisted and uprooted, like a bunch of devils who were clawing their way out of hell.
The third person stood on the left of the first person; ferocious waves tossed and turned under the person's feet.
The fourth person had his arms extended, countless sabers and swords bolting towards his hands, but his palms were metallic, glowing and shining.
The fifth person was feverish, a flame raging under him; those who watched could not help feeling the heat as if being burned themselves.
The sixth person's arm that was wrapped by hundreds of thousands of lightning bolts looked like a home for all lightning and thunder in this world, gathering densely in one place.
The seventh person had an arm on his back while another arm was drawing downwards in the air; the other end was crimson red, blood that trailed endless miles.
The eighth person who was also the last was similarly clad in black. He soared among the clouds as wind gushed in front and behind him. His face could not be seen but the one eye that could be seen from the side was bright, exuding enthusiasm and ease. His form looked inexplicably free, with a tinge of pride. It was as if he was laughing recklessly whilst facing the world.
Eight men in black!
Ji Lingxi's gaze spoke of utter shock as she observed the painting in front of her, feeling like her soul was being pulled into the drawing in that very instant; she could not help blurting out, "Nine Supremes!?"
Yue Rulan's eyes were trained unblinkingly on the last person, the unrestrained form that was soaring among clouds like he was flying, the figure that exuded recklessness but nonchalance too; she could not help the tears that gushed forth as she murmured, "Lingfeng!"
The bright eye that looked over from the side seemed to stare back at her from the other end too, the gaze friendly, like he was softly calling out, "Lanlan…"
Yue Rulan felt a pinch at her nose, a hand flew up to cover her mouth suddenly so she did not sob aloud. However, through her tears, her pair of bright eyes stared straight at the bright eyes on the painting.
After a moments struggle, she couldn't hold it back any longer and broke down right there.
That was… Ji Lingfeng!
Lingfeng, I found you!
I've finally found you!